Do You Know Where To Find Them?

Photo Credit AZGFD

From: AZGFD
To: Carol Allen
Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 8:30 AM
Subject: News Release: Do you know where the buffalo roam in Arizona?
Contact:
Shelly Shepherd (928) 214-1241
Public Information Officer, AGFD
Arizona Game and Fish Department

NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release, Aug. 6, 2009

Do you know where the buffalo roam in Arizona?

FLAGSTAFF — Buffalo are synonymous with the great west, but not many people realize that Arizona is home to these magnificent animals. To increase awareness and provide more information on the buffalo found in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is holding a bison workshop beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 in Flagstaff.

The workshop will include a presentation on bison in northern Arizona followed by a field trip to the Raymond Wildlife Area to view these amazing animals. The presentation will be held at the Game and Fish office in Flagstaff at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road. The field trip will take participants 30 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40 and another 12 miles to the wildlife area.

Photo Credit AZGFD

The Raymond Wildlife Area was purchased by the department in 1942 from Flagstaff physician R.O. Raymond to serve as winter range for the Anderson Mesa pronghorn antelope herd. Due to drought conditions in 1945, the ranch became home for buffalo that were moved from the House Rock Valley herd. Visitors to the Raymond Wildlife Area may have the opportunity to see and photograph descendents from the first buffalo herd in Arizona.

“This is our second bison workshop in northern Arizona and based on attendance last year, even with stormy weather, we expect another great turnout,” says Arizona Game and Fish Public Information Officer Shelly Shepherd. “This type of workshop is for the entire family and we encourage everyone to come out and learn about Arizona’s wildlife.”

Attendees should prepare for a one hour presentation followed by a 30 mile drive to the Buffalo Ranch Road exit on eastbound I-40. To access the Raymond Wildlife Area, the public will continue for another 12 miles from the exit on a dirt road. The road to the wildlife area is accessible for most passenger vehicles. Once there, the department will arrange for transportation to locate and view the bison.

Some scopes will be available, but it is recommended that participants bring binoculars, water, snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather and field trip.

For more information and to register for the workshop, contact the Game and Fish office in Flagstaff at (928) 774-5045.